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About the Rhode Island Builders Association

The Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA), founded in 1945 as a not-for-profit organization, is one of the nation’s largest local trade associations dedicated to serving the housing industry. The Association has nearly 1,500 member companies in Rhode Island and is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders. Members include home builders, remodelers, lenders, suppliers, subcontractors and real estate professionals.

Hiring a Contractor – Do Your Homework

One of RIBA’s top priorities is to educate consumers about finding and working with dependable contractors. Doing your homework can make all the difference in the success of your project.

  1. Get referrals from neighbors, friends and family. Some of the best contractors get all their business by word of mouth.
  2. Explore our website to identify builders or remodelers listed in the Find a Member section.
  3. Interview 3-5 prospects, in person.
  4. Verify your contractor’s background and check references – contact their materials suppliers, visit the Contractors’ Registration Board Web site at www.crb.ri.gov, call recent customers, etc.
  5. Nail down the contract – get all the details in writing.
  6. One way to ensure you have found a reliable, well-trained professional is to simply ask, “Do you belong to the Rhode Island Builders Association?”

Why should I hire a RIBA member?

The best professionals tend to join their industry associations. They seek opportunities to learn as much as they can about their industry and to stay on top of current events and issues, as well as to participate in industry-specific training and network with their peers. They join to give back to their industry and communities by participating in volunteer service efforts. They also join as agents of change, working to shape legislative and regulatory policies that support the housing industry. They find all this, and more, through RIBA membership.

RIBA members make a difference in Rhode Island

  • RIBA members promote housing by working against regulatory barriers to affordability and advocating efficient land use and development policies.
  • RIBA members work to support Rhode Island’s economic growth and quality of life while also protecting the environment.
  • RIBA members donate their time, energy and resources to provide construction assistance to veterans with special housing needs as the result of injuries sustained in armed conflicts through the Builders Helping Heroes program.
  • RIBA members sponsor Rebuilding Together to improve the living conditions of low-income homeowners, especially the disabled, elderly and families with children.
  • RIBA members are a part of the community fabric. Their children attend local schools, they shop in local stores and participate in community activities.
  • RIBA members actively support efforts to strengthen Rhode Island laws that protect innocent homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.
  • RIBA members educate the next generation of building professionals through mentoring programs, field trips, internships and summer jobs. They visit classrooms and career fairs, join industry advisory councils and work to develop a state-wide construction curriculum.

Why hiring a RIBA member is to your advantage

  • RIBA members have connections. Members are plugged in to a network of subcontractors and suppliers, which helps reduce costs, speed project completion and mitigate project risks.
  • RIBA members are well trained. Members take professional development courses to hone their skills.
  • RIBA members are well informed. Members keep abreast of developments in their industry through state and national trade publications including The Rhode Island Builder Report, Builder Magazine, pamphlets, brochures, manuals and manufacturers’ seminars.
  • RIBA members know technology. Members are conversant with the newest products and their application.
  • RIBA members value safety. RIBA conducts extensive jobsite safety training to reduce accidents on the job site.
  • RIBA members are insured. Membership in the Rhode Island Builders Association requires the maintenance of liability coverage and workers compensation insurance where appropriate.
  • RIBA members are the best. Members subscribe to a code of ethics, are registered or licensed where required and continually seek to increase their skills and knowledge.